Battery cells and battery packs containing them, and automobiles containing such battery packs.

Abstract

A battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode assembly including a cell body and electrode tabs extending from the cell body, a cell case including a receiving portion that receives the electrode assembly and a peripheral portion that extends outward from the receiving portion, electrode leads electrically coupled to the electrode tabs, and a conductive frame disposed on one side of the peripheral portion and electrically coupled to the electrode leads through the one side of the peripheral portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0153441 filed on November 16, 2022, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] A pouch-type secondary battery cell generally has a structure in which electrode leads (a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead) are drawn out to the outside of a pouch case. The electrode lead can function as a terminal of the pouch-type secondary battery cell, and in order for the electrode lead to function as a terminal, the electrode lead needs to be exposed to the outside of the pouch case. When the electrode lead is exposed to the outside as described above, it may be unavoidable to adopt a structure in which a component passes through the peripheral edge of the pouch case for electrical connection between the electrode assembly accommodated inside the pouch case and the electrode lead.

[0004] A conventional pouch-type secondary battery cell having such a structure may have a structure to which a lead film is applied, in order to prevent a decrease in sealing strength in the lead drawing region caused by the electrode lead being drawn out to the outside through the peripheral edge of the pouch case.

[0005] As described above, a multi-layer structure is formed in the region where the electrode lead is drawn out, which may result in the sealing strength of this region being lower than that of the remaining sealing regions. Therefore, when gas is generated inside the pouch-type secondary battery cell, which causes an increase in internal pressure, the region where the electrode lead is drawn out becomes a weak point, which may lead to venting defects such as venting occurring at an undesired timing at this position.

[0006] Therefore, in pouch-type secondary battery cells, there is a need to develop a structure that eliminates or minimizes the possibility of reduced sealing strength of the pouch case due to the application of components that function as terminals. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to eliminate or minimize the possibility of a decrease in the sealing force of the cell case due to the application of a component that functions as a terminal for the battery cell.

[0008] Furthermore, another objective of the present invention is to prevent a decrease in sealing force at the joint portion by preventing the component, which functions as a terminal for a battery cell, from being pulled out from the joint portion of the pouch case.

[0009] Furthermore, another objective of the present invention is to strengthen the bonding force of the sealing region formed on the side where the terminals of the battery cell are located within the sealing region of the pouch case.

[0010] However, the technical problems that this invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode assembly having a cell body and electrode tabs extending from the cell body; a cell case having a housing portion configured to house the electrode assembly and a peripheral portion extending outward from the housing portion; electrode leads electrically coupled to the electrode tabs; and a conductive frame disposed on one surface of the peripheral portion and electrically coupled to the electrode leads through that surface.

[0012] The electrode leads may be located inside the cell case.

[0013] The battery cell may further include an insulating frame configured to partially cover the conductive frame.

[0014] The battery cell may further include a first fastening member that penetrates the conductive frame, the peripheral edge, and the electrode leads, and a second fastening member provided on the opposite side of the first fastening member with the peripheral edge in between, and which connects with the first fastening member.

[0015] The conductive frame may be configured to apply pressure to its peripheral edge by fastening the first fastening member and the second fastening member.

[0016] The battery cell further includes an insulating frame configured to partially cover the conductive frame, and the conductive frame and the insulating frame may be configured such that the conductive frame pressurizes the insulating frame by fastening the first fastening member and the second fastening member.

[0017] The conductive frame may include a lead connection portion that electrically connects to the electrode lead, and a terminal portion that extends from the lead connection portion and is positioned on the peripheral edge.

[0018] The insulating frame may include a first portion configured to surround the lead connection portion and a second portion configured to cover a part of the terminal portion.

[0019] The lead connection portion is provided in a pair, and the pair of lead connection portions can be connected by the terminal portion.

[0020] The first part is provided in a pair, and the pair of the first parts may be connected by the second part.

[0021] The battery cell may further comprise a sealing member interposed between the inner side surface of the cell case and the electrode lead, and configured to surround around a coupling region of the conductive frame and the electrode lead.

[0022] The battery cell may further comprise a tab cover member located inside the cell case and configured to cover a coupling region of the electrode lead and the electrode tab.

[0023] The tab cover member may be configured such that one side is supported by the electrode lead fixed onto the peripheral edge portion, and the other side is supported by the cell body.

[0024] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a cell laminate including a plurality of battery cells according to an embodiment of the present invention as described above, and a pack housing that accommodates the cell laminate.

[0025] A vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention as described above.

Effects of the Invention

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, the possibility of reduction in sealing performance of the cell case caused by the application of a component functioning as a terminal of a battery cell can be eliminated or minimized.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, in applying a component functioning as a terminal of a battery cell, reduction in sealing performance at a bonding site can be prevented by preventing the component from being pulled out from the bonding site of the pouch case.

[0028] According to still another aspect of the present invention, in a sealing region of a pouch case, the bonding strength of the sealing region formed on a side where terminals of the battery cell are located can be enhanced.

[0029] The advantageous effects derived by the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other effects of the present invention not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the invention.

[0030] The following drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further illustrate the technical idea of ​​the invention. Therefore, the invention should not be construed as being limited solely to what is shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a part of the external appearance of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell. [Figure 3] This is a plan view showing the internal structure of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view along line A-A' in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This figure shows another embodiment of the battery cell shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] This figure shows a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the insulating frame located on the first surface of the peripheral edge removed. [Figure 7] This figure shows a disassembled state of the insulating frame arranged on the first surface of the peripheral edge in a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a plan view showing a part of the external appearance of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows another embodiment of the battery cell shown in Figure 7. [Figure 10] This figure shows another embodiment of the battery cell shown in Figure 8. [Figure 11] This is a diagram illustrating the region to which sealing is applied in a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12]This is a cross-sectional view along line B-B' in Figure 1. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates the coupling structure between the electrode lead and the tab cover member of the present invention. [Figure 14] This figure illustrates the coupling structure between the electrode lead and the tab cover member of the present invention. [Figure 15] This figure shows a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This figure shows an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but rather in a manner appropriate to the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor himself can appropriately define the concept of a term in order to best describe the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that the embodiments and configurations shown in the drawings described herein are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entirety of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therein at the time of this application.

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a part of the external appearance of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell shown in Figure 1.

[0034] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a battery cell 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an electrode assembly 100, a cell case 200, electrode leads 300, and a conductive frame 400.

[0035] The electrode assembly 100 may include a cell body 110 and electrode tabs 120 extending from the cell body 110. The cell case 200 may include a housing portion 210 configured to house the electrode assembly 100 and a peripheral portion 220 extending outward from the housing portion 210. The electrode leads 300 may be electrically coupled to the electrode tabs 120 of the electrode assembly 100. The conductive frame 400 is positioned on one surface of the peripheral portion 220 of the cell case 200 and may be electrically coupled to the electrode leads 300 through that surface of the peripheral portion 220.

[0036] According to the above-described configuration of the battery cell 10 of the present invention, the conductive frame 400 located on the peripheral edge 220 of the cell case 200 can be used as an external terminal for electrical connection.

[0037] In the present invention, if the conductive frame 400 is not provided on the peripheral edge 220 of the cell case 200, the electrode leads or other electrical connection components that are electrically connected to the electrode assembly 100 must be exposed to the outside of the cell case 200. Therefore, in order to prevent a decrease in the sealing force of the cell case, the thickness and / or width of the electrode leads 300 or other electrical connection components may be greatly restricted. When the thickness and / or width of the electrical connection components are restricted in this way, it may be difficult to control the resistance of the battery cell 10 to a certain level or lower.

[0038] From this perspective, according to the above-described configuration of the present invention, by ensuring sufficient thickness of the conductive frame 400 that can function as an external terminal of the battery cell 10, the resistance of the battery cell 10 can be reduced without reducing the sealing force of the cell case 200.

[0039] On the other hand, the electrode assembly 100 may include a first electrode and a second electrode, and a separation membrane interposed between them. The electrode assembly 100 may be a stacked electrode assembly in which the first electrode, the separation membrane, and the second electrode are stacked at least once, or a jelly roll type electrode assembly wound up from the stack. The first electrode may be a positive or negative electrode, and the second electrode may be an electrode with opposite polarity to the first electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode may each include a coated portion, which is a region coated with an electrode active material, and an uncoated portion, which is a region not coated with an electrode active material. The electrode tab 120 of the present invention may be an uncoated portion or another lead tab connected to an uncoated portion. If the electrode assembly 100 includes a plurality of first electrodes and second electrodes, the electrode tab 120 may be an uncoated portion assembly formed by the combination of a plurality of uncoated portions, or another lead tab connected to an uncoated portion assembly. The electrode tab 120 may be provided on one side and the other side of the electrode assembly 100, respectively. In this case, the electrode tab provided on one side of the electrode assembly 100 may have a first polarity, and the electrode tab provided on the other side may have a second polarity. The cell body 110 may refer to the remaining part of the electrode assembly 100 excluding the electrode tab 120.

[0040] The cell case 200 may be, for example, a pouch case including a multilayer pouch film. That is, the battery cell 10 may be a pouch-type battery cell. The pouch film may include a metal layer and a pair of resin layers configured to cover both sides of the metal layer. The cell case 200 may include a first case 200A and a second case 200B. The first case 200A and the second case 200B may be configured to cover both sides of the electrode assembly 100, respectively. At least one of the first case 200A and the second case 200B may be provided with a groove for forming a housing portion 210. The first case 200A and the second case 200B may be joined together in contact to form a peripheral portion 220 of the cell case 200. The peripheral portion 220 may be formed by sealing the area where the first case 200A and the second case 200B are in contact, for example, by heat welding.

[0041] The electrode lead 300 may be a plate containing a conductive metal. The electrode lead 300 may be directly or indirectly coupled to the electrode tab 120. In the drawings of the present invention, only an electrode lead 300 electrically coupled to an electrode tab 120 provided on one side of the electrode assembly 100 is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the electrode lead 300 may also be coupled to an electrode tab 120 provided on the other side of the electrode assembly 100.

[0042] The conductive frame 400 may contain a conductive metal. The conductive frame 400 may be electrically coupled to the electrode leads 300 located inside the cell case 200 through a hole formed on one surface of the peripheral edge 220 of the cell case 200. The conductive frame 400 may have a long form extending along the width direction (parallel to the Y-axis) of the battery cell 10. The conductive frame 400 may be electrically coupled to the electrode leads 300 at multiple points through the peripheral edge 220. For example, both ends of the conductive frame 400 in the direction of extension may be electrically coupled to the electrode leads 300.

[0043] When there are multiple connections between the conductive frame 400 and the electrode leads 300, the bonding force is improved, and the electrical resistance of the battery cell 10 is reduced. Also, when there are multiple connections, the force with which the conductive frame 400 pressurizes the peripheral portion 220 increases, thereby increasing the sealing force at the peripheral portion 220. By increasing the sealing force on both sides in the longitudinal direction (parallel to the X-axis) of the battery cell 10 across the entire area of ​​the peripheral portion 220, venting to both sides in the width direction (parallel to the Y-axis) of the battery cell 10 can be induced when the internal pressure of the battery cell 10 increases.

[0044] On the other hand, the conductive frame 400 may be provided not only on one side of the peripheral edge 220 of the cell case 200, but also on the opposite side. In this case, by providing components that can function as external terminals on both sides of the peripheral edge 220 formed on one side of the longitudinal direction (parallel to the X-axis) of the battery cell 10, electrical connections between adjacent battery cells 10 become easier when multiple battery cells 10 are stacked.

[0045] Furthermore, the conductive frame 400 may be provided not only on the peripheral edge 220 formed on one side of the battery cell 10 in the longitudinal direction (direction parallel to the X-axis), but also on the peripheral edge 220 formed on the other side. In this case, the conductive frame 400 provided on one side of the battery cell 10 in the longitudinal direction (direction parallel to the X-axis) and the conductive frame 400 provided on the other side may have opposite polarities.

[0046] Next, the arrangement of the electrode leads 300 of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a plan view showing the internal structure of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Referring to Figure 3, the electrode lead 300 may be located inside the cell case 200.

[0048] This arrangement of the electrode leads 300 eliminates or significantly reduces the risk of reduced sealing force of the cell case 200 due to the electrode leads 300 being drawn out of the cell case 200. That is, if at least a portion of the electrode leads 300 is drawn out of the cell case 200, the sealing force at the portion of the electrode leads 300 that is drawn out may decrease. In particular, if the cross-sectional area of ​​the electrode leads 300 is increased to reduce electrical resistance in the current path, the sealing force at the portion of the electrode leads 300 that is drawn out may decrease further due to the increase in thickness and / or width. In contrast, if the electrode leads 300 are not drawn out of the cell case 200 as in the present invention, there is no risk of reduced sealing force as described above, and therefore it becomes easier to reduce the electrical resistance of the battery cell 10 by increasing the cross-sectional area by increasing the thickness and / or width of the electrode leads 300.

[0049] On the other hand, the cell case 200 may include a lead housing portion 230 configured to have a shape substantially corresponding to the electrode lead 300. The lead housing portion 230 may be, for example, a groove formed in the first case 200A or the second case 200B, in which case the groove may be formed to a depth substantially the same as the thickness of the electrode lead 300. Alternatively, a groove may be formed in the first case 200A, and a groove may also be formed in the second case 200B at a position corresponding to the groove formed in the first case 200A. In this case, the sum of the depths of the groove formed in the first case 200A and the groove formed in the second case 200B may be substantially the same as the thickness of the electrode lead 300. The groove may be formed by molding the first case 200A and / or the second case 200B.

[0050] In this manner, if the lead housing portion 230 for housing the electrode lead 300 is formed in advance before joining the first case 200A and the second case 200B, the generation of stress due to the thickness of the electrode lead 300 at the peripheral portion 220 can be prevented when joining the first case 200A and the second case 200B, thereby preventing a decrease in sealing force.

[0051] On the other hand, the electrode lead 300 may have a form that extends long along the width direction (parallel to the Y-axis) of the battery cell 10. With such a structure, a sufficient bonding area between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 300 can be secured. This improves the bonding force between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 300 and reduces the contact resistance at the bonding site between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 300.

[0052] Next, the insulating frame 500 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0053] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the battery cell 10 of the present invention may further include an insulating frame 500. The insulating frame 500 may be configured to partially cover the conductive frame 400.

[0054] With this configuration, the risk of unnecessary electrical contact due to the entire conductive frame 400 being exposed can be reduced, and a portion of the conductive frame 400 can be exposed from the insulating frame 500 to function as an external terminal for the battery cell 10.

[0055] An electrically insulating material may be applied to the insulating frame 500. The insulating frame 500 may have a shape that substantially corresponds to that of the conductive frame 400.

[0056] On the other hand, the insulating frame 500 may be provided not only on one side of the peripheral edge 220 of the cell case 200, but also on the opposite side. That is, if the conductive frame 400 is provided on both sides of the peripheral edge 220, the insulating frame 500 may also be provided on both sides of the peripheral edge 220, partially covering each conductive frame 400.

[0057] Furthermore, the insulating frame 500 may be provided not only on the peripheral edge 220 formed on one side of the battery cell 10 in the longitudinal direction (parallel to the X-axis), but also on the peripheral edge 220 formed on the other side. That is, if the conductive frame 400 is provided not only on the peripheral edge 220 formed on one side of the battery cell 10 in the longitudinal direction, but also on the peripheral edge 220 formed on the other side, the number of insulating frames 500 may correspond to the positions corresponding to each conductive frame 400.

[0058] Next, the fastening structure of the insulating frame 500 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5, along with Figures 1 and 2.

[0059] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A' in Figure 1, and Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the battery cell shown in Figure 4.

[0060] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, along with Figures 1 and 2, the battery cell 10 of the present invention may further include a first fastening member F1 (Figure 5) and a second fastening member F2 (Figure 5).

[0061] The first fastening member F1 can penetrate the conductive frame 400, the peripheral portion 220, and the electrode lead 300. The second fastening member F2 is provided on the opposite side of the first fastening member F1, with the peripheral portion 220 in between, and can be coupled to the first fastening member F1.

[0062] With this configuration, welding and other operations can be omitted for the electrical connection between the conductive frame 400 and the electrode lead 300. In order to weld the contact area between the conductive frame 400 and the electrode lead 300, it is necessary to secure sufficient space for welding, and it is difficult to secure such space at the peripheral edge 220 of the cell case 200. Therefore, this configuration of the present invention is a good solution for electrical connection between components.

[0063] On the other hand, the conductive frame 400 may be configured to pressurize its peripheral portion 220 by fastening the first fastening member F1 and the second fastening member F2.

[0064] With this configuration, the fastening of the first fastening member F1 and the second fastening member F2 allows the conductive frame 400 to press down on the peripheral portion 220 in the vertical direction (parallel to the Z-axis).

[0065] The first fastening member F1 may be, for example, a bolt having threads on its outer surface. The second fastening member F2 may be configured to allow the first fastening member F1 to be inserted and fixed. The second fastening member F2 may be, for example, a nut having threads on its inner surface. However, the first fastening member F1 and the second fastening member F2 are not limited to these examples, and any fastening member having a structure that allows fastening in a direction that applies pressure to the peripheral edge 220 from both sides of the peripheral edge 220 can be applied as a fastening member of the present invention. In this way, when the conductive frame 400 is fixed to the peripheral edge 220 and electrically coupled to the electrode lead 300 by applying a pair of fastening members, the force applying pressure to the peripheral edge 220 can be easily adjusted by adjusting the fastening force.

[0066] Referring to Figures 2 and 4 of the present invention, the second fastening member F2 may be the conductive frame 400 of the present invention. That is, when a conductive frame 400 is provided on the first surface and the second surface opposite to the peripheral portion 220, the first fastening member F1 can be fixed to the conductive frame 400 on the second surface by passing through the conductive frame 400 and electrode lead 300 on the first surface. In this case, the conductive frame 400 on the second surface can function as the second fastening member F2 without the application of another fastening member such as a nut.

[0067] On the other hand, as described above, the battery cell 10 of the present invention may include an insulating frame 500 configured to partially cover the conductive frame. In this case, the conductive frame 400 and the insulating frame 500 of the present invention may be configured such that the conductive frame 400 pressurizes the insulating frame 500 by fastening the first fastening member F1 and the second fastening member F2.

[0068] With this configuration of the present invention, the pressure applied to the peripheral portion 220 of the cell case 200 by fastening the first fastening member F1 and the second fastening member F2 can be made even greater. In particular, a hole may be formed in the region where the conductive frame 400 and the electrode lead 300 are coupled, for the conductive frame 400 to be inserted into the cell case 200, and the need to pressurize the peripheral portion 220 may become even greater in the region adjacent to such a hole.

[0069] Next, illustrative embodiments of the conductive frame 400 and insulating frame 500 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 10.

[0070] Figure 6 shows a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention with the insulating frame located on the first surface of the peripheral edge removed; Figure 7 shows a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention with the insulating frame located on the first surface of the peripheral edge separated; and Figure 8 is a plan view showing a part of the external appearance of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 shows another embodiment of the battery cell shown in Figure 7, and Figure 10 shows another embodiment of the battery cell shown in Figure 8.

[0071] First, referring to Figures 6 to 8, the conductive frame 400 may include a lead connection portion 410 that electrically connects to the electrode lead 300 and a terminal portion 420 that extends from the lead connection portion 410 and is positioned on the peripheral portion 200. The insulating frame 500 may include a first portion 510 configured to surround the lead connection portion 410 and a second portion configured to cover a part of the terminal portion 420.

[0072] With this configuration of the present invention, the conductive frame 400 can be kept from being exposed to the outside, except for a portion of the area that needs to function as an external terminal, thereby effectively preventing the occurrence of unnecessary electrical contact.

[0073] The conductive frame 400 may be provided with a pair of lead connection portions 410. The pair of lead connection portions 410 may be connected by a terminal portion 420. Similarly, the insulating frame 500 may be provided with a pair of first portions 510. The pair of first portions 510 may be connected by a second portion 520. With such a configuration, not only can the coupling force be strengthened by increasing the number of coupling points, but electrical resistance can also be reduced. Furthermore, by covering the entire pair of lead connection portions 410 and the portion of the terminal portion 420 excluding the area necessary for electrical connection with an external device with an insulating component, the occurrence of unnecessary electrical contact can be prevented.

[0074] The terminal portion 420 may include a terminal extension portion 421 extending along a direction away from one surface of the peripheral portion 220 (a direction parallel to the Z-axis). In this case, when electrically connecting adjacent battery cells 10, the terminal extension portions 421 provided on each adjacent battery cell 10 can face each other, thereby facilitating the electrical connection between the battery cells 10.

[0075] In this configuration, when the terminal portion 420 of the conductive frame 400 is equipped with a terminal extension portion 421, the second portion 520 of the insulating frame 500 may be equipped with an extension cover 521 configured to cover one side of the terminal extension portion 421. With this configuration, unnecessary electrical contact can be prevented by electrically insulating the remaining side of the terminal extension portion 421, excluding the side necessary for electrical connection.

[0076] Next, referring to Figures 9 and 10 in conjunction with Figure 6, a pair of conductive frames 400 may be provided on one surface of the peripheral edge 220 formed on one side of the longitudinal direction (parallel to the X-axis) of the battery cell 10. The pair of conductive frames 400 may be arranged spaced apart from each other. Each of the pair of conductive frames 400 may include a lead connection portion 410 that is electrically coupled to an electrode lead 300, and a terminal portion 420 that extends from the lead connection portion 410 and is positioned on one surface of the peripheral edge 220. The terminal portion 420 may include a terminal extension portion 421.

[0077] Similarly, a pair of insulating frames 500 may be provided on one side of the peripheral portion 220 formed on one side of the longitudinal direction (parallel to the X-axis) of the battery cell 10. Each of the insulating frames 500 may be configured to partially cover a pair of conductive frames 400. The pair of insulating frames 500 may be spaced apart from each other. Each of the insulating frames 500 may include a first portion 510 configured to surround the lead connection portion 410 and a second portion 520 configured to cover a portion of the terminal portion 420. The second portion 520 may include an extension cover 521 configured to cover one side of the terminal extension portion 421.

[0078] Next, the sealing member R of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 11, along with Figures 4 and 5. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the region to which sealing is applied in a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Referring to Figure 11, the battery cell 10 of the present invention may further include a sealing member R interposed between the inner surface of the cell case 200 and the electrode lead 300. The sealing member R may be configured to surround the coupling region between the conductive frame 400 and the electrode lead 300.

[0080] Thus, when the sealing member R is applied to the bonding region between the conductive frame 400 and the electrode lead 300, leakage of electrolyte from the holes formed in the cell case 200 by the conductive frame 400 can be prevented. To maximize the sealing effect, the sealing member R may be provided on both sides of the electrode lead 300.

[0081] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 11, a sealing region S may be formed outside the area in the peripheral portion 220 where the electrode leads 300 are housed. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the sealing region S may be the entire area in contact with the first case 200A (see Figure 2) and the second case 200B. Increasing the area occupied by the sealing region S in the peripheral portion 220 in this way can improve the sealing performance of the cell case 200. On the other hand, referring to Figure 11 in conjunction with Figure 2, the area of ​​the region formed on both sides of the peripheral portion 220 in the longitudinal direction (parallel to the X-axis) of the battery cell 10 may be larger than the area formed on both sides of the width direction (parallel to the Y-axis) of the battery cell 10. As a result, as described above, increasing the area of ​​the sealing region S along with pressurizing the peripheral portion 220 can induce venting on both sides of the width direction (parallel to the Y-axis) of the battery cell 10.

[0082] The tab cover member 600 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 14. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view along line B-B' in Figure 1, and Figures 13 and 14 are diagrams illustrating the coupling structure between the electrode lead and the tab cover member of the present invention.

[0083] Referring to Figures 12 to 14, the battery cell 10 may include a tab cover member 600. The tab cover member 600 may be located inside the cell case 200 and configured to cover the coupling area between the electrode lead 300 and the electrode tab 120. When such a tab cover member 600 is provided, damage to the coupling area between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 300 can be prevented.

[0084] The tab cover member 600 may be configured such that one side is supported by the electrode lead 300 fixed to the peripheral edge 220, and the other side is supported by the cell body 110. In this case, the tab cover member 600 can prevent movement of the electrode assembly 100 within the cell case 200, thereby preventing impact from being applied to the connection point between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 300. Therefore, even if the battery cell 10 is subjected to impact, it is possible to prevent defects caused by damage to the connection point between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 300.

[0085] The tab cover member 600 may be provided with a fixing projection P, in which case the electrode lead 300 may be provided with a projection housing G configured to accommodate the fixing projection P. The projection housing G may be, for example, a groove recessed from the edge portion adjacent to the electrode assembly 100 at the edge portion of the tab cover member 600. Multiple fixing projections P and projection housings G may be provided for the stable fixing of the tab cover member 600.

[0086] The tab cover member 600 may be formed by joining a pair of cover members 600A and 600B. The tab cover member 600 may include a main body portion 610 and a wing portion 620. The main body portion 610 may have a space for accommodating the coupling region of the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 300. The fixing projection P may be provided on the main body portion 610. The wing portion 620 may be configured to extend from the main body portion 610 and face the cell body 110. The wing portion 620 may be provided, for example, on both sides of the main body portion 610. Within the cell case 200, the movement of the main body portion 610 away from the cell body 110 may be restricted by the electrode lead 300, and the movement of the wing portion 620 toward the cell body 110 may be restricted by being in close contact with the cell body 110.

[0087] Figure 15 shows a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 15, the battery pack 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cell stack 1 containing a plurality of the battery cells 10 of the present invention as described above, and a pack housing 2 that houses the cell stack 1.

[0088] The cell stack 1 may have a structure in which a plurality of battery cells 10 are electrically connected using a conductive frame 400 (see Figures 1 and 2) exposed on the peripheral portion 220. This makes it possible to manufacture the battery pack 3 of the present invention without going through the battery module stage. That is, the battery pack 3 of the present invention can be manufactured by a cell-to-pack process.

[0089] Figure 16 shows an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 16, the automobile 5 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery pack 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above. The automobile 5 can operate by receiving power from the battery pack 3 of the present invention. The automobile 5 may be, for example, an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

[0090] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical concept and claims of the present invention by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 1-cell laminate 2-pack housing 3 Battery Packs 5. Automobile 10 battery cells 100 electrode assembly 110 Cell Body 120 electrode tabs 200 Cell Case 200A Case 1 200B Case 2 210 Storage Unit 220 Peripheral area S sealing area 230 Lead housing section 300 electrode leads G Protrusion housing R Sealing member 400 conductive frame 410 Lead connection section 420 Terminal section 421 Terminal extension 500 Insulating Frame 510 Part 1 520 Part 2 521 Extension cover F1 First fastening member F2 Second fastening member 600 Tab cover component 600A First cover member 600B Second cover member 610 Main Unit 620 Blade section P Fixed protrusion

Claims

1. An electrode assembly comprising a cell body and electrode tabs extending from the cell body, A cell case comprising a housing portion for housing the electrode assembly and a peripheral portion extending outward from the housing portion, The electrode tab and the electrode lead that is electrically coupled, A conductive frame is disposed on one surface of the peripheral portion and electrically coupled to the electrode lead through that surface of the peripheral portion, First fastening member and A second fastening member is provided on the opposite side of the first fastening member, with the aforementioned peripheral portion in between, and connects to the first fastening member, A battery cell in which the conductive frame is configured to pressurize its peripheral edge by fastening the first fastening member and the second fastening member.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrode leads are located inside the cell case.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1, further comprising an insulating frame configured to partially cover the conductive frame.

4. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the first fastening member is configured to penetrate the conductive frame, the peripheral portion, and the electrode lead.

5. The battery cell further includes an insulating frame configured to partially cover the conductive frame, The battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that the conductive frame and the insulating frame are configured such that the conductive frame pressurizes the insulating frame by fastening the first fastening member and the second fastening member together.

6. The conductive frame is A lead connection portion that electrically connects to the electrode lead, The battery cell according to claim 3, characterized by including a terminal portion extending from the lead connection portion and positioned on the peripheral portion.

7. The aforementioned insulating frame is A first part is configured to surround the lead connection portion, The battery cell according to claim 6, further comprising a second portion configured to cover a part of the terminal portion.

8. The battery cell according to claim 7, characterized in that a pair of lead connection portions are provided, and the pair of lead connection portions are connected by the terminal portion.

9. The battery cell according to claim 8, characterized in that the first part comprises a pair, and the pair of first parts are connected by a second part.

10. The aforementioned battery cell The battery cell according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing member interposed between the inner surface of the cell case and the electrode lead, and configured to surround the coupling region between the conductive frame and the electrode lead.

11. The aforementioned battery cell The battery cell according to claim 1, further comprising a tab cover member located within the cell case and configured to cover the coupling region between the electrode lead and the electrode tab.

12. The tab cover member is One side is supported by the electrode lead fixed to the peripheral edge, The battery cell according to claim 11, characterized in that the other side is configured to be supported by the cell body.

13. A cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells according to any one of claims 1 to 12, A battery pack comprising a pack housing that accommodates the aforementioned cell stack.

14. An automobile comprising the battery pack described in claim 13.

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